Greek platters, also known as Greek mezze platters, are small dishes of savory snacks typically presented as a complement to drinks. They’re the perfect dish to serve if you want to whip up something quick, easy, and filling for your guests.
In this article, I’ll show you how to make the ultimate Mediterranean platter snack board that’s sure to wow anyone who eats from it. I’ve also included several Greek platter ideas you can take inspiration from!
Short on Time? Here’s a Quick Summary!
The best thing about Greek platters is that there’s no definitive way to put them together, giving you the freedom to design and create a beautiful spread worthy of attention. Here’s how you should make it:
- Prepare dips and/or spreads such as hummus, roasted eggplant spread, and spicy red pepper dips.
- Generously add variations of meat and cheese around the platter.
- Fresh fruits and vegetables are a must. Add tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, pears, etc.!
- Don’t forget the bread, AKA the Greek “spoon.”
- Fill it to the brim!
Ideas & Recipes for Your Greek Platter
Now that you know how to create your very own Greek platter, allow me to share my favorite go-to recipes for every occasion. I didn’t add the measurements because it all depends on how large your platter is. Add as much as you need to, as long as you fill it up!
Vegan Greek Mezze Platter
The best thing about Mezze platters is that they’re for everyone. Here’s a quick and easy vegan recipe you’re sure to love.
Ingredients
- Fermented natural tofu
- Cherry tomatoes
- Artichoke hearts
- Olives (plus points if they’re filled with almonds!)
- Nuts of your choice
- Hummus dip
- Greek dolmades
- Bread of choice
Preparation
- Prepare several plates of Greek dolmades (AKA stuffed vine leaves). You can either do it yourself or buy them prepared at your local supermarket.
- Slice the tofu and all the vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
- Arrange all the ingredients on a large platter until completely full. Leave no gaps in between.
- Add the nuts evenly to the plate.
- Serve semi-cold!
Classic Mediterranean Mezze Platter
Vegan mezze platters are tasty, but nothing beats the authentic taste of classic Mediterranean dishes!
Ingredients
- Greek yogurt
- Muhammara
- Hummus dip
- Greek gruyere
- Feta cheese
- Baby mozzarella
- Grilled halloumi cheese with lemon
- Greek meatballs
- Greek sausage
- Cherry tomatoes
- Olives
- Carrots
- Lemon wedges
- Radishes
- Fennel
- A small bunch of grapes
- Pears
- Bread of your choice
Preparation
- Put the Greek yogurt, muhammara, and hummus dip in small dishes and add them to the platter.
- Arrange all the other ingredients neatly after cutting them up into bite-sized pieces.
- Fill the platter in with warm pita (or the bread of your choice) before serving. To add further aesthetic value and color, top it off with some fresh herbs like oregano and parsley.
How to Make a Greek Meze Platter
In order to make the “perfect” Greek mezze platter, you’ll need to cram the plate full of different colors, flavors, textures, and shapes.
Prepare the Dips and/or Spreads
The first thing you’ll need to prepare for your Greek platter is your dips and spreads. Use small bowls to house pickles, fresh olives, hummus, and the like. My top favorite Greek drips are Greek eggplant spread, htipiti, and cucumber yogurt.
Be Generous With the Meat and Cheese
You can add the meat and cheese anywhere in the bowl, but I personally like them to be close to the dips (for easier access).
For cheeses, you can add feta with olive oil with dried oregano, Kefalotiri cheese, Katiki cheese, and the like.
When it comes to meat options, consider adding juicy Greek meatballs (AKA keftedes), traditional Greek sausage, and any other meat (bacon, ham, salami, etc.) of your choice!
If you’re using a wide selection of meat, make sure to add a few different sections of cheese throughout the board. You can also add anchovies and hard-boiled egg (sliced into two) for extra protein!
Bread, Bread, and More Bread!
A Greek platter is incomplete without bread! Warm pita is the best and most popular choice of bread to serve. Traditionally, pita bread is cut into four triangles. If you prefer smaller pieces, you can cut it into eight.
If you don’t have pita bread available, you can use crostini, crackers, rusks, and breadsticks. If you’re using crackers, fan them out in a few different spots of the platter.
Add Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
Add fresh components to your platter. Fresh tomatoes (plus points if they’re cherry tomatoes!), olives, and cucumbers are a must. To add further variety, use raw chickpeas, artichoke hearts, and peppers.
When it comes to fruits, add several slices of figs, apricots, grapes, melons, and pears. Make sure you cut them up in bite-sized pieces. Leave the stems on the grapes and cut them into little cups of two to three.
Fill It to the Brim
Greek mezze platters are made for sharing. Intimate and plentiful is the way to go. As much as possible, use the largest platter you have in your home and cram it full of food. Don’t leave even a slight gap in between the dishes!
Traditionally, a single mezze platter can serve ten or fewer guests comfortably. If you’re having a large party, don’t be afraid to make two or more platters. The most important thing is that it’s enough to fill every single guest with a little leftover (in case anyone wants to go back for a light snack after a few hours).
Drizzle Everything With Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Take a step back and look at your grand creation. Does it look nutritionally balanced? Does it have enough variety? Colorful? Tasty? If your answer is yes, lightly drizzle the entire platter with extra virgin olive oil.
Optional: Nuts!
The problem with nuts is that not everyone likes them. Plus, some are allergic. If you personally know your guests and are 100% sure nuts are safe for everyone to consume, add several handfuls in any open space the platter may have.
Any nuts you already have in your pantry will do. Almonds, pistachios, candied walnuts, cashews—the options are endless. They’ll add a sweet and crunchy component to your dish and bring everything together.
Bottom Line
The best thing about Greek platters is that there’s no right or wrong way to put them together. Plus, they’re easy, fun, and family-friendly. Enjoy!
